Abdominal exercise and training apparatus

ABSTRACT

An abdominal training apparatus designed to be used by a seated exerciser for concentrated training of the abdominal muscles in performing crunch exercises, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion pivotably suspended from a base, the upper portion and lower portion being linked together causing them to rotate in opposing directions toward, and in a fixed angular proportion to, one another. The apparatus includes weight addition means on the upper and lower portions to respectively increase and decrease the force required to perform the crunch exercises, so as to accommodate both advanced and beginning exercisers as well as those with injured or weak abdominal muscles. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted seat portion having a plurality of angular positions enabling the apparatus to be used by an exerciser to target both the oblique and the frontal abdominal muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for exercising and strengthening the abdominal muscles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that enables a wide range of exercisers to perform isolated training of both the frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without straining the lower back.

There are many exercise devices intended to train specific parts of the body. Training of the abdominal muscles can be particularly challenging because of the desire to concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles and at the same time minimize the stress and risk of injury to the lower back. Traditional sit-ups on a flat surface or on an inclined bench are far from optimal for strengthening the abdominal muscles. Beginning the exercise in a flat position puts stress on the spine and the neck and may be very difficult for a person with weak abdominal muscles. Additionally, the traditional sit-up motion engages the hip flexor muscles more than the abdominal muscles. Crunches are better than sit-ups insofar as isolating the abdominals. However, because the movement in performing a crunch is from a position with the back flat on the floor to a crunch position where just the head and shoulders are raised from the floor, the range of motion to which the abdominals are subjected is limited.

Various resistance-type exercise devices for exercising abdominal muscles have been developed over the years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,154 [Forcillo] discloses a pivotable abdominal bench that provides lessened or increased resistance while exercising. Although this apparatus provides the capability to both aid an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles in doing a sit-up and increase the resistance for a more advanced exerciser, it suffers from the basic configuration deficiency of starting the exercise in a flat prone position. Therefore, this device does not minimize lower back stress nor does it concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles as opposed to the hip flexors.

Another type of device is known as a seated abdominal exercise machine. Generally, this type of machine places an exerciser in a seated position raised off the ground in a framework and includes an upper torso engaging structure that allows the exerciser to bend forwardly into a simulated crunch position against a variable resistance. The present invention is such a device.

Although various attempts have been made to perfect these machines, there remain several disadvantages to many of the designs. Some of these machines emphasize motions that work the hip flexors more than the abdominal region. Other machines concentrate on moving about a particular axis or axes without fully supporting the head, shoulders, and lower back. Still other versions are limited by other factors such as a limited range of movement.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,926 [Ellis] discloses a seated exercise machine permitting the exerciser to do crunches against weight resistance from a seated position. However, this device does not provide positive assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles and does not support the exerciser's back throughout the exercise. Additionally, this device has the exerciser seated in a position where the feet are placed on the floor, which may result in an awkward exercise position for exercisers of various heights.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,372 [Steffee, et al.] discloses a seated exercise machine wherein the exerciser works against a weight stack. However, the exerciser's back and head are not supported throughout the range of the exercise motion and there is no assistance provided for exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,748 [Scotti] discloses a seated exercise machine whereby the exerciser pulls down on handles from above which cause his feet, which are resting on a platform, to be simultaneously raised from below in a crunching motion. However, this device provides no back or head support for the exerciser, provides neither weight resistance nor assistance to an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles, and has no means for the exerciser to use his legs to assist in actuating the crunching motion.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus for doing crunches that provides continuous support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser. It is another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that does not impose undue stress on the exerciser's spine. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that concentrates the work on the abdominal muscles of the exerciser.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that provides assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles as well as weight resistance to exercisers with stronger abdominal muscles. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise machine that enables an exerciser to strengthen both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles by a simple adjustment of the apparatus.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an abdominal exercise apparatus to be used by an exerciser in a seated position. The apparatus of the present invention is symmetrical left to right and comprises a base from which an upper and a lower portion are pivotably suspended. The upper and lower portions are linked together, causing them to rotate in opposed directions with respect to the base. As an exerciser pulls down on handles extending from the top of the upper portion, drawing the upper portion pivotably forward and downward, the exerciser also pulls up on leg retaining means extending from the bottom of the lower portion, drawing the lower portion pivotably forward and upward, through the use of the linking bar causing the upper and lower portions to rotate about their respective pivot points on the side supports of the apparatus, resulting in a sit-up or crunch motion. The upper portion and lower portion rotate in a fixed proportion to, and in opposite directions from, one another, to a final relative position that creates a substantial parallelity between the upper and lower portion of the exercise apparatus. Additionally, because the head is supported and the legs and feet are secured, the apparatus concentrates the intensity of the crunch workout on the abdominal muscles.

The apparatus of the present invention protects against strain to the spine and lower back by providing support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser, the upper portion of the apparatus comprising head and shoulder pads and the lower portion of the apparatus comprising lumbar and seat pads. As the exerciser draws the apparatus into the crunch position, his back and head continue to be supported throughout the entire range of motion.

The abdominal exercise apparatus of the present invention additionally includes means to add weights to the upper and lower portions in order to both increase and decrease the force required to perform the crunch exercise. An advanced exerciser can benefit by increasing the weight on the upper portion, thereby making the exercise more difficult and enhancing the workout of the abdominal muscles. A beginning exerciser, or one who is rehabilitating from injury or has weak abdominal muscles, can benefit by increasing the weight on the lower portion, thereby making the exercise easier and enabling an exerciser to train using the crunch motion even if he or she is not capable of achieving that motion unassisted. Further, the apparatus of the present invention enables an exerciser to target both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles.

In addition, the seat portion of the apparatus has the capability of pivoting to the left and right to a preselected angular fixed rotation. The seat portion is secured or locked into position in one of a straight-ahead position, a leftwardly angled position, or a similarly rightward angled position, for the exercise routine without the exerciser rising from the apparatus. The seat portion will not move once it is locked into position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its at rest state.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention, shown in a partially articulated state, with the upper (back) and lower (seat) portions of the exercise device rotating towards the other by means of fixed pivot points linked together by a rigid linking bar causing the lower (seat) portion to move its rear section downward about its pivot point as the upper (back) portion moves its upper section forward about its pivot point.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention, shown in its fully articulated state, with the upper (back) and lower (seat) portions of the exercise device rotated towards the other about their respective pivot points with the assistance of the rigid linking bar such that the two portions are in substantial parallelity

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its straight-ahead position, taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown swiveled to its rightwardly angled position (from the perspective of a person seated on the machine) as depicted in FIG. 4 as taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown swiveled to its leftwardly angled position (from the perspective of a person seated on the machine) as depicted in FIG. 4 as taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its at rest state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 the abdominal training and exercise apparatus 10 in its rest state, comprising a base 12, a lower portion 14, an upper portion 16, and a seat portion 18. The base 12 pivotably supports both the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 via the upper journal 34 and the lower journal 30, respectively. A rigid linking bar 74 coordinates the rotational motion of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 with respect to each other. The relative motion of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14, controlled by a five-bar linkage, is the key feature of the apparatus 10, providing unique exercise benefits and greatly enhancing the range of exercisers who may use the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 is symmetrical from left to right, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The base 12 is fabricated from identical left and right side assemblies 21 interconnected by the bottom cross rail 26 as well as through the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 by way of their respective journals 34, 30. The bottom cross rail 26 is fastened to each bottom rail 20 by bolts 27. Each substantially triangularly shaped side assembly 21 comprises a bottom rail 20, a front rail 22 affixed to the front portion of the bottom rail 20 and extending upwardly therefrom, and a rear rail 24 affixed to the rear portion of the bottom rail 20 and extending upwardly therefrom, the rear rail 24 being curved frontwardly at its uppermost portion to join with the front rail 22 near the top thereof. Each side assembly 21 further includes two feet 28, one extending frontwardly and downwardly from the front end of the bottom rail 20, the other extending rearwardly and downwardly from the rear end of the bottom rail 20. Each side assembly 21 is a rigid welded unit that, as part of the base 12, is capable of supporting the weight of the apparatus 10, an exerciser seated thereon, and any weight plates 58, 90 that may be added to the apparatus 10 during its use. Stop supports 64 and stop pads 62 mounted on the upper, near-horizontal portion of each rear rail 24 shoulder most of the weight of the upper portion 16 when the apparatus 10 is not in use.

The upper portion 16 supports the back of an exerciser, provides a means for the exerciser to grip the apparatus with his hands for the purpose of articulating the apparatus 10 while exercising, and provides a means for adding weight to increase the difficulty of the exercise. The upper portion 16 comprises a centered vertical back rail 40, left and right back cross rails 48 extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid portion thereof, an upper weight support rail 52 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and a handle support 42 mounted on the upper rear portion of back rail 40.

Left and right upper side rails 50 are attached rigidly to the outward facing ends of the back cross rails 48, extending frontwardly therefrom. Each upper side rail 50 includes a stop pin 60 protruding outwardly to each side from the rearward portion thereof to come to rest against the stop pads 62 of the stop supports 64. At the uppermost portion of each front rail 22, an upper pivot pin 70 protrudes inwardly from the side portion thereof to connect with the upper side rail 50 of the upper (back) portion 16 of the exercise apparatus 10. Also, an upper link pin 72 protrudes inwardly from near the front end of the upper side rail 50 connecting to the linking bar 74. The upper lever distance A between the upper pivot pin 70 and the upper link pin 72 is a critical measure for the proper operation of the apparatus 10.

The upper portion 16 is suspended from the base 12 by the upper pivot pins 70, which are pivotably supported in the upper journals 34. The upper journals 34 are secured in the front rail 22 of the base 12 by pairs of upper journal bolts 36 in each of the rails 22. When the apparatus 10 is not in use, or between workout sets, the upper portion 16 pivots, under the force of gravity, until the stop pins 60 come to rest on top of the stop pads 62.

A weight support base plate 54 extends rearwardly from the bottom end of the back rail 40 joining with the upper weight support rail 52 to form a rigid triangular structure for supporting any number of upper weight plates 58 which an exerciser may choose to add to increase the workout load of the apparatus 10. An upper weight peg 56 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion of the upper weight support rail 52 and is sized to accept standard weight plates 58 such as those used in a gym or fitness center. Weights added to the upper weight peg 56 increase the resistance of the apparatus 10 during the workout. More weights 58 will raise the level of force required to articulate the apparatus 10 into a fully crunched position.

A head pad 66 is attached to the upper portion, and a back pad 68 to the lower portion, of the front side of the back rail 40 in order to provide continuing support for the back and head of the user. A pair of handles 44 extends upwardly, frontwardly, and outwardly from the handle support 42 affixed to the upper rear of the back rail 40, and include handgrips 46 on the ends of each handle 44 for an exerciser to grasp while exercising on the apparatus 10. By pulling the handles 44 downward, the exerciser forces the upper portion 16 to rotate about the upper pivot pins 70, thereby raising the upper weight plates 58 as the exerciser bends forward into a sit-up or crunch position. The back rail 40, combined with the head pad 66 and the back pad 68, provides support throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise and minimizes the stress on an exerciser's back in completing crunches.

The lower portion 14 supports the seat and lower back of an exerciser and provides a means for adding weight to decrease the difficulty of the exercise. The lower portion 14 comprises a centered vertical lumbar rail 78, left and right lumbar cross rails 82 extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid portion thereof, a lower weight support rail 86 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and a seat rail 92 extending frontwardly from the bottom end thereof. A lumbar pad 84 is attached to the front side of the lumbar rail 78.

Left and right lower side rails 94 are rigidly attached to the outward facing ends of the lumbar cross rails 82, extending frontwardly therefrom. Each lower side rail 94 includes a lower pivot pin 96 protruding outwardly from approximately the mid-point thereof and a lower link pin 76 protruding outwardly from the rear end thereof. The lower lever distance B between the lower pivot pin 96 and the lower link pin 76 is another critical measure for the proper operation of the apparatus 10.

The lower portion 14 is suspended from the base 12 by the lower pivot pins 96, which are pivotably supported in the lower journals 30. The lower journals 30 are secured to the front rail 22 of the base 12 by pairs of lower journal bolts 32 in each of the rails 22. A stop pad 80, backed by a stop pad support 81, is fastened to the top end of the lumbar rail 78. When the apparatus 10 is not in use, or between workout sets, the lower portion 14 pivots, under the force of gravity, until the stop pad 80 comes to rest against the bottom side of the weight support base plate 54 of the upper portion 16, directly beneath the bottom end of the back rail 40.

The lower weight support rail 86 is strong enough to support any number of lower weight plates 90 which an exerciser may chose to add to decrease the workout load of the apparatus 10. A lower weight peg 88 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion of the lower weight support rail 86 and is sized to accept standard weight plates 90 such as those used in a gym or fitness center. Weights added to the lower weight peg 88 decrease the resistance of the apparatus 10 during the workout, a feature that may be particularly helpful to beginners or exercisers with weak abdominal muscles. More weights 90 will reduce the level of force required to articulate the apparatus 10 into a fully crunched position, acting to assist a beginning exerciser. Additionally, the interplay between the upper weights 58 and the lower weights 90 may allow an advanced exerciser to fine-tune the loading of the apparatus 10 during a workout. The lower weights 90 counteract proportionally greater upper weights 58, in a ratio of B/A, i.e., the ratio of the distance of the lower lever, measured between the lower pivot pin 96 and the lower link pin 76, to that of the upper lever, measured between the upper pivot pin 70 and the upper link pin 72.

The rigid linking bar 74, adapted in this version of the exercise apparatus to be positioned on the right of the apparatus 10 (as shown in FIG. 5), interconnects the upper link pin 72 with the lower link pin 76 and coordinates the related rotational motion of the upper portion 16 with the lower portion 14. The linking bar 74 completes the five bar linkage that creates the unique benefits of the apparatus 10. The length of the linking bar 74 is fixed so that the back rail 40 and the lumbar rail 78 are symmetrically aligned when the apparatus 10 is at rest. When the handles 44 are pulled by a seated exerciser to rotate the upper portion 16 forward and upward about the upper pivot pins 70, the upper link pin 72 in side bar 50 pushes downward on the linking bar 74 which, in turn, pushes downward on the lower link pin 76 in side bar 94, causing the rear of the lower portion 14 to rotate downward and forward about the lower pivot pins 96. It should be noted that the linking bar 74 may also be positioned on the left side of the apparatus 10 (as shown in FIGS. 1-3) or may be included as a pair of linking bars on both sides of the apparatus.

The relative amount of rotational motion of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 is fixed by the ratio of the lower lever distance B to the upper lever distance A. For example, if the ratio of B/A equals three, then a 30 degree rotation of the upper portion 16 will cause (approximately) a corresponding 10 degree rotation of the lower portion 14, so that the total amount of crunch experienced by an exerciser using the apparatus 10 will be about 40 degrees. The opposed directions of rotation of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 explains the reverse effect of the lower weights 90 as opposed to the upper weights 58. When an exerciser pulls on the handles 44, he is working against the upper weights 58, raising them as his torso rotates forward. However, simultaneously, the lower weights 90 are pulling downward on the linking bar 74, working in the same rotational direction as the exerciser's hands and helping to rotate his legs upward and inward. Because of the relative distances of the lower lever B and upper lever A, the net effect of a the lower weight plates 90 is reduced proportionally when compared with that of the upper weight plates 58.

Referring to FIGS. 4-4B, the seat portion 18 is pivotably supported above the seat rail 92 via the seat journal 108 mounted towards the front portion of the seat rail 92. The seat portion 18 comprises a swivel rail 100, a leg extension rail 102 extending downwardly from the front end thereof, and a seat pad 98 affixed on top thereof. A seat pivot pin 110 extends downwardly from the mid portion of the swivel rail 100 and is received by the seat journal 108 in the seat rail 92, enabling the seat portion 18 to rotate leftwardly and rightwardly. The seat portion 18 can be secured or locked into a desired position by a seat swivel positioner 112 and cooperating seat swivel pin 114 in one of three angular positions with respect to the seat rail 92, including straight-ahead (parallel to the seat rail 92) and approximately 15 degrees to either the right or left of center. The seat portion 18 does not move once it is locked into one of the three angular positions by the seat swivel pin 114. Thereby, an exerciser may exercise the frontal abdominal muscles with the seat portion 18 in the straight-ahead position as well as the oblique abdominal muscles with the seat in either or both of the left and right positions.

The seat swivel positioner 112 is attached to the front end of the seat rail 92 and has three seat positioning holes 118 corresponding to the three possible positions of the seat portion 18, to secure the seat portion 18 in each of those positions. A spring loaded seat swivel pin 114 with an associated seat-positioning lever 116 is attached to the underside of the swivel rail 100. Each of the seat positioning holes 118 is adapted for receiving the seat swivel pin 114 when the seat-positioning lever 116 is released. To rotate the seat portion 18 from one position to another, the seat positioning lever 116 is actuated to pull the seat swivel pin 114 out from one of the seat positioning holes 118, the seat portion 18 is rotated to the desired position, and the seat positioning lever 116 is released to allow the seat swivel pin 114 to be received into another of the seat positioning holes 118 and thereby locking the seat portion 18 into the desired position.

A leg extension rail 102 extends downwardly and frontwardly from the front of the swivel rail 100. The leg extension rail 102 supports an ankle bar 104 at the bottom end thereof, the ankle bar 104 extending symmetrically leftwardly and rightwardly therefrom, each side of the ankle bar 104 being covered with an ankle pad 106. When exercising in the apparatus 10, a seated exerciser hooks his ankles behind the ankle pads 106 so that his legs may be used to assist in the crunching motion of the apparatus 10.

Exercising the front abdominal muscles using the apparatus 10 is a simple procedure. First, the exerciser places the desired weight plates 58, 90 onto their respective weight pegs 56, 88. For a more difficult exercise, the exerciser will increase the amount of the upper weight plates 58 or, for assistance in the exercise, the exerciser will increase the amount of the lower weight plates 90. Second, the exerciser sits on the seat pad 98 with his lower back resting against the lumbar pad 84, his shoulders resting against the back pad 68, and his head resting against the head pad 66. The seat portion 18 is preferably in the straight-ahead position. Once seated, the exerciser hooks his ankles behind the ankle pads 106 and reaches up to grasp the handgrips 46 on the handles 44. Third, the exerciser simultaneously pulls downward with his hands and upward with his knees, resulting in the lower portion 14 and upper portion 16 rotating in opposing directions, towards each other. This movement caused by the exerciser results in the upper portion 16 rotating forward and downward and the lower portion 14 rotating upward and rearward, with the back rail 40 of the upper portion 16 and the seat 98 of the lower portion 14 rotating towards each other so as to assume substantial parallelity, resulting in a crunch. Fourth, the exerciser resists the motion of the apparatus 10 as it returns to its rest state, the upper portion 16 rotating upward and rearward and the lower portion 14 rotating downward and frontward until the bottom end of the back rail 40 and the upper weight support rail 52 contact the lumbar pad 84 positioned atop the lumbar rail 78. When this is achieved, the exercise apparatus 10 is in its at rest position.

To exercise the oblique abdominal muscles, the seated exerciser need only pivotably reposition the seat portion 18 to the left or to the right by actuating the seat positioning lever 116, rotating the seat portion 18 to the desired position, and releasing the seat positing lever 116 to secure and lock the seat portion 18 in the desired position. Crunches may then be accomplished in exactly the same manner as for the front abdominal muscle exercises. The forward rotating action of the upper portion 16, combined with that of the cooperating rearward rotating action of lower portion 14, and an independently positionable swiveling seat portion 18, all provide the exerciser with a focused and safe abdominal workout while continually supporting the head and back of the exerciser.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein. 

1. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch motion comprising: a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended from said base, said upper portion including a back rail having a back support, a head support, and at least one handle adapted to be gripped by the hands of a person; a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a lumbar rail having a seat and a lumbar support; and, a linking bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base so that said upper portion and said lower portion approach substantial parallelity with each other, with the relative angular displacement of said upper portion and said lower portion being a fixed ratio determined by the distances between the respective pivot points of said upper portion and said lower portion to the base and linking bar attachment points thereto.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper portion includes left and right side rails joined to the back rail and by a pair of rotatable upper joints joined to said base, said lower portion includes left and right side rails joined to the lumbar rail and by a pair of rotatable lower joints to said base, and said linking bar connecting said upper portion to said lower portion from the respective side rails providing an off center pivoting allowing said upper portion and said lower portion to move in opposing rotational directions to achieve substantial parallelity between the seat of the lower portion and the back and head supports of the upper portion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lower portion additionally includes means to retain the legs of a person seated in said apparatus, enabling the legs to be used to assist in performing the intended crunch motion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lower portion further includes a means for receiving weights for decreasing the workout resistance of said apparatus so as to assist a person with weak abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper portion further includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said leg retaining means is rigidly interconnected to said seat and said seat is pivotably positionable on said lower portion, allowing said seat and said leg retaining means to be angularly positioned with respect to said apparatus, said lower portion additionally including a means to secure and lock into desired position said seat and said leg retaining means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position, enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus.
 7. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch motion comprising: a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended from said base, said upper portion including a back rail having a back support, a head support, and at least one handle adapted to be gripped by the hands of a person; a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a lumbar rail having a seat and a lumbar support; said upper portion includes left and right side rails joined to the back rail and by a pair of rotatable upper joints joined to said base, said lower portion includes left and right side rails joined to the lumbar rail and by a pair of rotatable lower joints to said base; and, a linking bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base so that said upper portion and said lower portion approach substantial parallelity between the seat of the lower portion and the back and head supports of the upper portion, with the relative angular displacement of said upper portion and said lower portion being a fixed ratio determined by the distances between the respective rotatable joints of said upper portion and said lower portion to the base and linking bar attachment points thereto.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lower portion additionally includes means to retain the legs of a person seated in said apparatus, enabling the legs to be used to assist in performing the intended crunch motion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lower portion further includes a means for receiving weights for decreasing the workout resistance of said apparatus so as to assist a person with weak abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said upper portion further includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said seat and said leg retaining means are interconnected to form a seat portion that is pivotably positionable on said lower portion and said lower portion further includes a seat portion securing means, said seat portion being angularly positioned and secured by said seat portion securing means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position with respect to said apparatus, enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus. 